I bought a used 2021 'certified' 4runner from a dealer about a year ago with 40k miles. I noticed that when the transmission kicks down a gear going over a mountain pass, it seems to take a long time to upshift after the hill levels off. I get off the throttle, but still seems to take a while after that. Is the normal behavior? I had the dealer change the transmission fluid as part of the 45k service. Should I sell it and move on?
Thanks for any advice!
As a fellow 4Runner owner (2016), it's hard to answer your question since you don't give objective data. "Takes a long time" is very subjective. My instinct says it's normal. First of all, the basic 4Runner platform has been in place since 2005. So the engine and transmission are rock solid. It's one of the most reliable vehicles Toyota makes. So the odds of you having a bad one are low.
To speak more about the transmission specifically, you have to remember that the 4Runner is still running only a 5 speed transmission. So if you are used to driving a car that has an 8 or 10 speed transmission, then it's going to seem like it's lagging. Also, you have to understand that one of the only negatives of the 4Runner is that the peak power band (best HP and Torque) are at a much higher RPM than a lot of other vehicles made today. Toyota has fixed this issue on the new Tundra's and new Tacomas with the introduction of the turbo engines. I've seen videos of the new Tacoma showing the peak power seems to be right around 1800 RPM. I fully expect the new 4Runner when it comes out will also have a much better power band than the current generation. The downside is that turbos introduce a new potential point of failure that can be extremely costly to fix. I have a relative who got rid of an Ecoboost Explorer when the turbo failed due to an $8000 repair bill from the dealer.
From my experience, the higher the speed (especially above 55 mph), the longer it's going to take to shift back into 5th gear (especially true if over 70 MPH). The 4Runner isn't designed for driving over 70MPH. You're MPG drops like a rock when you do that. So if that's the speed you're noticing that at, then my advice is slow down. But above 55MPH, yes, it's going to take a bit before it shifts back into 5th gear after downshifting as it's not wanting to hunt gears.
If you want to be more specific about what speeds you're experiencing this with or can quantify it with seconds for how long after reaching fully level ground before it upshifts, I'll be happy to comment further. But I think what you're describing sounds like its perfectly normal for the current generation 4Runner. So you'll have to decide whether you can get used to it or sell it and buy the new 4Runner when they release the next generation model.
Thanks for the input! Yes, it's definitely over 60-70 mph neighborhood. I'm used to a transmission that when you take your foot out of the throttle, it just shifts up. I'm a little suspicious about the rig, because I put too much confidence in the 'certified' status. I found out later it was a rental and the paint on the back of the trailer hitch was pretty scuffed up. I think the 5th gen 4runner will prove to be the zenith of the 4runner series, maybe I'll go for a 2024 before the 6th gen comes out. Cheers!.